Chapter 51

The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving just a sliver of light. In a sudden jump, it vanished completely. Soon, the fresh leaves in the ditch swayed and blended into the dusky twilight.

Summer packed her book into her bag, stood up, dusted off her clothes, and walked down the familiar path back to the residence.

She deliberately returned late, knowing that Henry, Logan, and the others would have finished dinner. Just like at lunchtime, she found herself alone in the kitchen, heating up some bread and boiling two bottles of hot water. After dinner, she went straight back to the dorm to wash up.

She didn't use an oil lamp to read in the dormitory—it was bad for her eyes and a waste of oil. So, after washing up, she went straight to bed.

Lying there, not feeling sleepy, she stared at the ceiling, reflecting on things. She decided not to dwell on the foolish things she had done in the past, most of which involved Henry. While those actions weren't entirely voluntary, Henry hadn't forced her either, so she didn't feel he owed her anything. It was a mutual decision.

Thinking about the future was much more exciting. She wondered what her life would be like after breaking free from the novel's plot.

Even though she was looking forward to it, she wasn't in a rush anymore. Life wasn't just about chasing goals; enjoying the scenery along the way was equally important. Every stage of life should be lived well, so there wouldn't be regrets about only rushing through it.

With these thoughts, Summer drifted off to sleep. Knowing she had the next day off, she fell asleep completely relaxed, planning to sleep in the next morning.

Despite her intentions, she woke up at the usual time the next morning. But this time, she turned over and went back to sleep.

She was later awakened by the sharp sound of the alarm clock. Instinctively, she pulled the blanket over her head and continued sleeping after the alarm stopped.

Her roommates, Grace and the others, couldn't sleep any longer. They groggily got up, sighed as they made their beds, and complained about how endless their days felt, with no hope in sight. Every morning they woke up feeling hopeless and heavy-hearted.

Grace noticed Summer still asleep and was surprised. "Hey, why isn't she up yet?"

Since coming to the countryside, this was the first time Summer was still asleep after they had all gotten up. Summer was usually the most diligent, always rising early. What was going on today?

Lily and Cecilia were brushing their hair together. Lily said, "It's Sunday today. There's no school."

Grace slapped her forehead. They had no Sundays off from their fieldwork, and after being in the countryside for so long, they had forgotten what Sundays felt like.

Remembering that Summer could sleep in and do whatever she wanted while they had to go to work made Grace feel even worse. If this break was for someone like Sophia, she could accept it. But Summer? Summer was meant for hard work, not enjoying life.

Already in a bad mood because of the early wake-up and the day's work ahead, this realization made Grace feel even worse, almost to the point where she wouldn't be able to eat breakfast.

She finished making her bed, picked up her comb, and started brushing her hair angrily. Her impatience caused her to pull her hair too hard, hurting herself.

"Ouch!" she cried, rubbing her head.

***

Despite feeling bitter and having no appetite, they still had to eat. Twenty minutes later, Henry and the others were in the kitchen, eating bread and pickles.

Grace grumbled, "Why do teachers get Sundays off and we don't? We're all working for the production team, but we have to work every day. It's exhausting."

The constant fieldwork was wearing her down.

Jack added, "They get paid for their Sundays off. If we take a day off, we don't get any work points."

Hearing this made Grace even more frustrated. She wanted to throw her bread on the ground if she had anything else to eat.

Seeing how upset the girls were, Gabe said, "Logan doesn't have an ounce of manliness in him. If we had those opportunities, especially Henry, we'd let you girls take the easier jobs."

Lily chimed in, "Don't mention that stingy guy. He wouldn't even help us with the laundry. If he ever shared opportunities, it would be a miracle. He's got the appearance of a man but none of the qualities."

As Lily finished, Logan's voice came from the kitchen door, "And what does a man look like, Lily? Someone who has no skills but loves to gossip?"

Everyone at the table turned to see Logan entering.

They had been talking so loudly they hadn't noticed him coming in.

Lily didn't dare confront Logan directly. Her complaints were usually behind his back. Caught red-handed, she quickly lowered her head and focused on her bread.

Henry spoke up, "That's still better than someone who's neither human nor ghost."

Logan sneered, "A bunch of useless people banding together, living on bragging and gossip, thinking that makes them more like men. It's laughable."

Henry slammed the table and stood up, "Logan!"

Logan smiled at him, "Getting angry already? Did I hit a nerve?"

Henry stared at Logan with anger, then smiled back, "One day, you'll see who's the real joke."

He couldn't be bothered to argue with Logan now. He despised Logan's hypocritical and sycophantic behavior. He would never bow down or grovel.

One day, he would show Logan what it meant to stand tall and win.

Logan was unimpressed. "Fine, I'll be waiting."

***

Bright sunlight streamed through the window.

Summer stretched her arms out from under the covers, enjoying a luxurious stretch.

After her roommates left, she went back to sleep, waking up feeling refreshed.

Now fully rested, she quickly got up, made her bed, braided her hair, washed up, cooked some breakfast, and set off for the market.

The market was busiest in the morning, with the most goods available.

In the afternoon, although the market was still open, there were fewer people and fewer goods.

Two years ago, the town didn't even have a market because it had been shut down during the revolution. It was only recently that the market was allowed to reopen, but only the public market was permitted. Private trading was done secretly in a different location each day, known as the black market.

Rural families, needing cash, would secretly sell vegetables or staple foods. However, if caught, they would be punished.

Summer didn't want any trouble, so she went to the official market.